Tag: relationship

Deception Over Love: A Short Story

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose12 Comments

Delilah exhaled in exacerbation. Exhausted, and left with no more words of defense, she stomped out angrily into the court yard.

Pacing aimlessly back and forth, muttering to herself:

“How can they say these things about me?”

“I did this for my people!”

Caught up in ruminating, Delilah didn’t see the crowd growing about her in the courtyard. Her inner castigating jolted to a halt when Martha, who was always jealous of her relationship with Samson, screamed vehemently at her:

“You did this to him! You evil, conniving little witch!”

Delilah felt the extremity of Martha’s hatred and disgust.

“Out with his eyes! Out with his eyes!”

Turning in the direction of the angry mob, Delilah dashed back into the inner court, forcing her way through the crowd that had thickened around Samson. She got to Samson just as the soldier who had given her the small red drawstring purse with 30 pieces of silver, extracted his second eye.

Blinded by loyalty over love, she had blinded the man of her affections. There was no way to redeem herself from this deception. Martha was right to bring this calumny against her. 

2021. All rights reserved. ©www.createdbyDEEsign.com

Today’s piece was written for: Your Daily Word Prompt (extremity); Fandango’s One Word Challenge (redeem); Ragtag Daily Prompt (calumny); and Word of the Day Challenge (exhausted).

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Mistake: Six Word Story

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments

Love mistaken is hurt in waiting. 

2021. © www.createdbyDEEsign.com All rights reserved.
Written for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “mistake.”

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Shabbat Shalom: God Started It, Science Confirms It

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose, Shabbat Shalom8 Comments

Before I understood the true meaning and the blessings of the Sabbath, it was more like an arduous religious ritual observance. And as an adolescent, I recall at the end of just about every Sabbath I came down with a terrible migraine headache.

Research on the anthropology and psychology of religion have confirmed the psychological impact and mental health implications of ritual observance.

Sabbath is not about rituals or a litany of restrictive dos and don’ts. Sabbath was intended to help people, not burden them.

The Bible says it best: Sabbath was made for man and not the other way around (Mark 2:27). Meaning the sabbath was made for our good, and not our hurt. For the good of our souls (spiritual, mental, psychological renewal); for the good of our bodies (physical rest and restoration); for the good of our communities (connecting families, friends, society); and for the good of our world (socially, culturally, environmentally).

The world is US. Therefore, what we do at the individual level has a ripple effect. I believe God’s intent behind the Sabbath was to heal the world/us and keep it/us healthy.

Imagine if each week there’s the opportunity to recenter ourselves; to reconnect with family and friends; to truly REST; to have dedicated-unrushed worship time to commune with the Divine God; and, to truly understand and appreciate the connection between Sabbath-keeping and nature. Well, that is what Sabbath is! And it is accessible to each of us.

This kind of transformation at the personal level over time would have a profound healing effect on the world.

Scientific and empirical research prove that when we set aside the ritualistic approach to Sabbath, we open ourselves up to holistic health benefits that can contribute to our well-being as individuals.

The benefits include longevity (up to 10 years added to lifespan); few deadly diseases; more healthy years of life; better mental health; and, better physical health.

However, Sabbath was never intended to be about me, the individual, but about US, the community. The celebration of sabbath should synchronize us with others—me>> family>> friends>> community>> society>> earth—for a ripple effect of transformation.

Shabbat Shalom. May you find the spiritual, psychological, social, physical, cultural, and environmental health benefits of Sabbath for yourself and your community at large. 

2021 ©createdbyDEEsign
All rights reserved

You may also like: the tranquility of Sabbath peace; the blessings of Sabbath worship; the refreshing of Sabbath rest; those Selah moments of pause like mini-Sabbaths that can be taken throughout the week; the joy of Sabbath reflection; and, the harmony between humanity and nature that is affirmed in the Sabbath grace.

Thank you for reading.

First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Unmasked©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry5 Comments

He didn’t change
She fell in love
With the him he wanted her to see
To steal what she would not give an imposter
Egregious mistake unmasked
Her love knows not this man she sees

2021. ©createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. Photos by Pexels.

Sheryl hosts Your Daily Word Prompt. Today’s word is egregious. I published this piece in my 1st week as a blogger (Oct 4) but bringing it back because it fits so well for today’s prompt.

Thank you for reading.

First time to the site? Welcome! Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

A Goddaughter’s Prayer ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry3 Comments

Beforeword: This prayer was written for the christening of my Goddaughter based on the meaning of her names—Diana Elizabeth.

Diana
It is decreed in your name: Heavenly, Divine
Heavenly angel you are, dispatched from the Divine
May your spirit never wander from the righteousness of God
And your footsteps stay anchored in the pathway of His love
May your eyes see unknown tomorrows and lived yesterdays
And your spirit be discerning of thoughts and intentions of hearts
May your hands be never idle
And your feet bring tidings of good news
May your mouth always say gentle and kind words
And your heart overflow with joy, peace and love

Elizabeth
It is decreed in your name: God is abundance
In you is everything God created you to be
You will be the head, and never the tail
A lender, and never a borrower
You will be above and never beneath
Who ever intends to curse you, shall bless you instead
You will be exalted in your coming in and in your going out
Whatever may intend to bring you harm will be subjected under your feet

As it is said, so shall it be
Diana Elizabeth
This is our prayer for you

2021 All rights reserved

Thank you for reading.

First time to the site? Welcome! Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Gone!©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments

Long before she left she was gone

Her heart took its first step out

When you couldn’t free up time for her, when all she needed was time with you

When what was important to you had nothing to do with her

And you made more excuses than doing what you said you’d do

She was physically present, emotionally withdrawn, and you too physically absent to see

Now her body has joined her heart, and the one you say “you love” is

Gone!

2021. ©www.createdbyDEEsign.com
All Rights Reserved

Thank you for reading

First time to the site? Welcome! Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity

You©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry4 Comments

I asked for a man who loved God before all others

One who understood true love to be more than words

Who loves from the knowledge that love is trusting unconditionally

And I got you

I asked for a man who was strong enough to let me love him

A man who loved me despite my faults and shortcomings                

A man who is willing to forgive, accept me as I am

A man who listens actively and supports completely

A man who is slow to anger and patient to correct

And I got you

I asked for a confident man

A man who believes in himself and secured enough to believe in me

A man who was strong enough to acknowledge his weaknesses

A man who’s about his grind, bravely facing life’s challenges

A man who supports my every endeavor

And I got me you

©2021 createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved.

Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Love: 6 Word Story

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry9 Comments

When LOVE ends, it’s never even.

Written for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “love.” Check out her blog for the rules and join in the fun.

Thanks you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Lovers’ Quote: You Are©

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

“You are the answer to questions I haven’t yet asked”

Written for today’s One-Liner Wednesday prompt from Linda G. Hill. Check out her blog and see who else is participating today.

Thanks you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

In God’s Hands©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry3 Comments

Slamming door

No goodbyes

Footsteps fading quickly

No backward glance

Skidding tires

Racing from a life built together

Snow flakes—

Gently falling, clinging to bare branches

Teardrops—

Slowly rolling, staining my round dark cheeks

Small puddles—

Forming, gliding along the window sill

Tail lights—

Retreating, fading in the distance

In the beginning, talk came easy

Plans made, memories created

We don’t talk the way we use to

Confrontations, vows are broken

Didn’t we vow to love forever?

Forever knows no end

Forever knows no boundary

Right now it seems to be ending

But on us I won’t give up

While the heart needs time for mending

I’m putting us in God’s hands

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Lovers’ Quote: Symphony©

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

This is for One-Liner Wednesday: “our love is His symphony, the physical manifestation of music”

Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Check out her blog for the rules and to see who else is participating today.

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

A Pastor’s Birthday Tribute©

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

When a piece is commissioned I usually consult with the client and/or friends or family to get the backstory to create a piece that is personal and reflective of the context the client wishes to convey. In this case, it was easy because this was for my beloved Pastor, Abraham Jules—writing it was pure joy.

Some simply call you Pastor, others affectionately say PJ
Still others of us say Pastor Jules, for me you’re PastorJ
Some call you brother, others call you friend
Still no matter what we call you, you are Shepherd—on you we depend

We depend on you for comfort when life’s stormy billows roar
When we go through life’s changing seasons that shake us to the core
We rely on your steady hand to ably guide us through
We know we’re blessed, for not every Pastor is as dependable as you

We look to you for spiritual advice, to be a moral compass and guide
You direct us to our Savior, Christ, so in Him our confidence abide
We can bank on you for sermons that will challenge, inspire, motivate
To help us grow in Christ on earth, then meet Him at Heaven’s gate

Pastor you are Abraham, the father of this flock and more
There will never be enough words to say just how much we adore
The time you give, the life you live, the love you freely share
The counsel you provide, the prayers you invoke to God for our care

On this your special day we call on heaven:

To shower you with blessings beyond what you think of or conceive
To give you a discerning spirit and eye salve to truly see
To help you be like Christ, not seeing sin but sinners in need of grace
To give you faith and patience to help you run this race

On this your special day
All our hearts, our very best thoughts combine as one to say: Happy Birthday Pastor J!

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Lovers’ Quote: Inhale Exhale©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry2 Comments

This is for One-Liner Wednesday: lovers’ quote: “your inhales are of my exhales”

©2021 createdbyDEEsign All rights reserved

Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Check out her blog for the rules and to see who else is participating today.

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Heart Story©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry8 Comments
Part I

Once upon a time in the land of hearts

Happy hearts glided along the cloud nine express

While enchanted hearts delightfully soared on ecstasy rockets

One lonely heart crouched down, despair concealed in the heart-break corner

Away from the buzz of new-found love

She diligently works to put herself back together again

This time the herding of broken pieces is faster

Gathering this and tending that piece

Taping here and sewing there

Patching the hole where hurt took his piece

Muttering self-promises never to be so trusting

Whispering reassuring-cautions this ne’er again would be

Fear by fear she laboriously builds a wall of protection, impenetrable

Heart-break sensors affixed at every crevice

Armed with warning codes, she sits—poised, ready to block the next hurt

Part II

Along comes he to the land of hearts, looking for a heart able to love him

One that’s been broken and mended

One that’s been where he considers familiar ground

And there she was—stoic, wrapped protectively in her bubble of safety

Armored behind a self-imposed wall of protection

Eyes slowly rising to the intensity of his penetrating gaze

And he greets her—sawu bona—I see you

I see you in your love

I see you in your affection

I see you in your soul

You mean everything to me

Heart meets heart, souls collide

And she greets him—sikhona—I am here

I am here in healing radiating from the heart

I am here in spirit of sharing, revealing, receiving

I am here in recognition and revelation of giftedness

Part III

Heart meets heart like mirror to mirror reflecting

Heart door once shut tight, reopening

I see you!

Light—leading her heart through the darkness of hurt spaces

Air—breathing hope, filling her with newness of love

Touch—reigniting senses, creating a world she merely dreamed of

Teach her to once again see beauty in feelings

Because you see me, I am here!

Copyright 2021 createdbyDEEsign

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

Lovers’ Quote: Reached©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry1 Comment

He reached her in places she didn’t know existed

©2021 createdbyDEEsign

This post is a contribution to Linda’s One Line Wednesday:

Thank you for reading!

First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

In creative solidarity, Dee

It Hurts©

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry2 Comments

In an age where we are most socially connected (digitally), under this pandemic we are the most isolated (humanly).

How many are slumped over (literally and figuratively) from grief, loss, discontent or isolation causing what feels like a gaping hole in our core.

Melancholy—the void that debilitates, immobilizes—is the essence of what Albert Gyorgy communicated in this sculpture after the death of his wife. And, it’s the sentiments behind my writing this piece, “It Hurts”, from viewing the world around me.

“Melancholy” by Albert Gyorgy

It hurts
Alone
Alone-ness
Lonely
Loneliness
Being alone
Being with self alone, lonely
It hurts


It hurts
Cry
Crying
Alone
Lonely
Being alone
Crying by self alone, lonely
It hurts


It hurts
Tears
Tears falling
Heart
Heart breaking
Yearn
Yearning inside
Aching by self alone, lonely
It hurts

It hurts
Alone
Crying
Tears
It hurts 

©2021 createdbyDEEsign all rights reserved

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee 👈

BirthMONTH—Day 23: I Affirm Today the Value of Forgiveness

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose1 Comment

Life sometimes hits hard. Nowhere is this most true that in our relationships.

No matter the source of the break or wounding, forgiveness is the best medicine for healing and restoration.

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Just To Be With You©

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

Here I am again, this vaguely familiar place

Miles away from all that matters

Memories of you bring soft smiles to my face

Although you and I are in different parts of the world tonight

I wonder what you’re doing, if you’re thinking of me

This distance keeps us from touching, that just ain’t right

In my mind I conjure memories

Recalling times together

Remembering all our stories

Sad, but true, sometimes I can’t call you

It’s not ‘cause I don’t want to

Hearing your voice drives me crazy too

I guess what I really want to say is:

“I miss you, I just want to be with you tonight”

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Support System

On By Dawn MinottIn Prose4 Comments

Life lesson: You don’t choose what you go through in life, but you choose how you go through it and who you go through it with.

When the ER doctor said what’s been ailing me was COVID-19, the first flash of recall was the number of people who died from this virus. I’d love to say that because I’m a deeply spiritual person my first reaction was “trust God, you’ll survive”. Nah, it was not! My first emotional reaction was fear.

Fear soon passed though through the support of family and friends. The experience re-enforced the value of having a solid support system. With the help of my support, I found the strength to fight.

You know, one thing fighters have is a corner—fighters get support, they don’t fight alone.

We are not meant to be alone.

Who are you going through life with?

You need others to help you, and you need to help others.

Who’s in your corner?

Yes it’s a risk — relationships are messy. They’re complicated. You could get hurt. But, you can minimize the risk by building a support system that is solid. One that is:

  • Based on the right/common structure — what brought you together (sorority, same age kids)? Are you likeminded? Do you have common values and principles?
  • Formed before your crisis.
  • Built on honesty. Can you be vulnerable and not feel judged? Can you be you?
  • Centered on TRUST. Distinguish between who’s in your circle versus who’s in your corner. Can/will they keep you accountable?
  • Built around fellowship. How can I know how to support or celebrate you if you don’t share? Bring your life in the light. Be selective. With the right people you’ll find fellowship.

Your support system is a beautiful gift. Cherish it.

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Tribute: Remember Me© [final phase]

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry2 Comments

Beforeword: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear-dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is the final phase.

Resting In Peace

And now …
I am the breath held in trust by the Creator
He is my love
He who had my heart now holds my soul
I will not see you cry or know the tears you shed
He who holds my soul bottles every tear, He sees … He knows
I will not see you go on living or know the ways your heart will break
He who holds my soul, holds your heart, He sees … He knows
I knew you for just a moment in time
I’ll know you for eternity when we meet the Divine
When you miss me, recall me
In your memories I live on

REMEMBER ME

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 4]

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 4.

Remember My Be-ing

I am the memory residing in your hearts
A devoted mother
A matriarchal secure presence
A loyal Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunty, Friend
A diva—beautiful and classy to the very end
My family, my friends
I am alive in the memories

REMEMBER ME

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Tribute: Remember Me© [phase3]

On By Dawn MinottIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 3.

Remember Me In The Laughter

I am the laugh
That laugh
Bubbling up from the sole of my feet
Marinating in my heart
Escaping my lips
Ricocheting. Resonating. Reverberating.
Eliciting the spontaneous movements of your face and lips
Forcing you to join in the expression of what had caused my amusement
Listen
Can you hear it?
Let it permeate your heart
Make you smile through the tears
I am alive in your laughter
Cry for me but most of all in joy

Remember me

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 1]

On By Dawn MinottIn PoetryLeave a comment

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 1.

Remember Me As Mother

I am the gene
The heredity transferred from me to you
My offspring, the child of my heart
You who redefined me
Elevated me to the status of “mother”
For you I lived
I live on in you
Each heartbeat of yours is mine
As you chart your life path
See your way through my eyes
Listen for me in your heart
Live … laugh … love out loud my child, my gene
I am alive in you

REMEMBER ME

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee

Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 2]

On By Dawn MinottIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 2.

Remember Me In Familial Affection

I am the affection
The arms which held my mamma in death
Are the arms which held my daughter through life
The hands with which I ceaselessly toiled
Are the hands which extended care to kin near and far
The lips that never ceased to mouth “I love you”
Are the lips with which I’ve expressed my endless devotion
The eyes that saw the best in others
Are the eyes which closed in prayer, all’s forgiven, I hold no grudge
For as long as you keep family bonds strong
My heart beats on
I am alive in the affection

REMEMBER ME

Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.

In creative solidarity, Dee